I think the major issue with any big block Corvette is going to be potential issues of getting the power and torque down to the road - whether and automatic or manual. My car is obviously a manual so I can't really comment fron an auto owners perspective - however one of our Essex/kent members (Pete Knodt) has a 454 auto with aftermarket heads, cam, carb etc. He installed a later (albeit modified for use in an earlier car) 4 speed auto with lock-up o/d 4th gear. He also had a hi-stall speed converter which, to me was the most impressive part of the install. Much like a manual transmission car setting the car-up to get off the line cleanly and without exssesive wheelspin needs a little right foot restraint off the line and thoughtfully using the cars front to rear weight transferrence. The really impressive feature (for me) of the auto and hi-stall converter is the seemingly linear engine rpm's as it shifts through 1st, 2nd and into third the engine remains revving at a constant speed and presumably at its maximum torque output. You looking at the red coupe for sale?